Ratneshwar Mahadev temple

Uttar pradesh, Varanasi, Lucknow

Situated in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir (also known as Matri-rin Mahadev, Kashi Karvat or Leaning temple of Varanasi) is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most photographed temples in the holy city of Varanasi. Some sources claim that the temple was built by Queen Baija Bai of Gwalior in the 19th century and according to the revenue records, it was constructed during 1825-1830. However, Dr. Ratnesh Varma of District Cultural Committee, claims that it was constructed by the Amethi royal family in 1857. The temple is unique due to its leaning significantly towards the back side (north-west), and the garbhagriha is generally below the water much of the year, except for a few months during the summer.

Legend

According to a popular legend, the temple was built by an unnamed servant of Raja Man Singh for his mother Ratna Bai about 500 years ago. Upon building the temple, he proudly boasted that he paid his debt to his mother. The mother cursed and the temple started leaning because the debt to one's mother can never be repaid. That is the reason why the temple got its alternative name Matri-rin (Mother's debt). According to another story, it is believed that the temple was built by a female servant of Ahilya Bai of Indore, named Ratna Bai. Ahilya Bai cursed it to lean because her servant had named it after herself.

Architecture

The temple is elegantly constructed in the classical style of architecture with a nagara shikhara and phamsana mandapa. The site of the temple is very unusual. Unlike all other temples in Varanasi on the coast of Ganga, the temple is built at a very low level. In fact, the water level can reach the shikhara part of the temple. It is constructed at a very low spot, the builder must have known that its garbhagriha would be underwater for much of the year. In spite of much of the temple being under water during most of the year, it is well preserved, except for the lean that can be noted in 20th century photos. A lightning strike in 2015 caused slight damage to some of the elements of the shikhara.

Darsan Dresscode

No dresscode

Famous Festival

Mahashivaratri is the major festival celebrating in the temple

Culture

Varanasi presents a complete museum of Indian art and culture. At Varanasi one can feel the changing patterns and movements in course of history. It has a rich and unique style of art forms and folk art. For centuries, Varanasi has produced master craftsmen and earned name and fame for its beautiful Sarees, handicrafts, textiles, toys, ornaments, metal work, clay and woodwork and other crafts.